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ISSUE 16
April 15, 2026
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Low Snowpack Honoring Our Community’s Legacy Prompts Drought Declaration Submitted
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Staff Report
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ashington state officials have declared a statewide drought following a winter marked by unusually low snowpack, raising concerns about water supply heading into the warmer months. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, the declaration reflects a growing gap between available water and expected demand. Snowpack-often described as the state’s natural reservoir-has fallen well below normal levels in many basins, leaving less water available to replenish rivers, reservoirs, and irrigation systems this spring and summer. Federal water supply forecasts reinforce the severity of the situation. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington’s snowpack measured about 54% of normal entering March, with several basins reporting significantly lower levels. With peak snowpack typically reached in early April, officials say there is little time left in the season to recover from the deficit. As a result, below-normal streamflows are expected this spring and summer, reducing water availability during the region’s driest months. Under state law, a drought is declared when water supply is projected to fall below 75% of normal and there is potential for significant impacts to communities, agriculture, or the environment. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR URBAN AND RURAL RESIDENTS While a drought declaration can sound alarming, its effects are not felt evenly. In more urban areas, many residents rely on large, managed water systems that store supply in reservoirs. Because of this, immediate impacts may be limited. Most households are unlikely to see sudden restrictions right away, though voluntary conservation measures may be encouraged if dry conditions continue. In rural areas, the situation can be very different. Households that rely on private wells or smaller water systems may begin to feel impacts sooner, particularly if groundwater levels drop or seasonal water sources dry up earlier than expected. For these residents, water availability can become a more immediate concern as summer approaches. PRESSURE ON AGRICULTURE AND LOCAL ECONOMIES Agricultural communities are often among the first to feel the effects of drought. With less snowmelt feeding rivers and irrigation systems, farmers may have to reduce planting, prioritize certain crops, or leavwe fields unplanted altogether.
SNOWPACK, 5
riends and neighbors, mark your calendar for April 23-26. Three local nonprofits are joining efforts to plan and host the Tahoma Foothills Celebration, a fourday event in and around Eatonville, focused on the legacy of community over the decades. Aaron Pruitt, executive director of Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village, coordinated that organization’s recent 50th Anniversary celebration. One of the goals was commemorating the annual salmon bakes involving the Nisqually Tribe, pioneer settlers and residents of early Eatonville, a tradition celebrated in the 1890s. Those gatherings epitomized the Indigenous tradition of alalal, or “community day.” Joining the museum’s
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THURSDAY | APRIL 23 | 6:00 PM
Fireside Chat: Stories from the Foothills @ Mill Haus
An evening of local history and storytelling with historian Abbi Wonacott, plus Q&A. Food & drinks available for purchase.
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FRIDAY | APRIL 24 | 5:30–8 PM Community Dinner @ Eatonville Community Center Join neighbors for a free shared meal, games, and folklore with Pioneer Farm Museum and local partners.
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SATURDAY | APRIL 25 | First Light - 10AM Kids’ Fishing Derby @ Smallwood Park
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Stocked pond, free cocoa & pancakes. Bring your own gear. Prizes every hour + grand prize bike! www.eatonvillelions.com/opening-day-kids-fishing-derby
SATURDAY | APRIL 25 | 11 AM–5 PM
A four-d�y community g�thering celebr�ting the history, culture, and living spirit of Eatonville and the surrounding foothills.
?alalal Community Day @ Pioneer Farm Museum & Ohop Indian Village
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A full day of culture, crafts, tours, buggy rides & more— celebrating the region’s living traditions. www.pioneerfarmmuseum.org/alalal-day
Free & f�mily-friendly All are welcome!
SUNDAY | APRIL 26 | 1 PM Historic Walking Tour and Ribbon Cutting @ Eatonville Visitor Center Guided walk through Eatonville history, plus a special monument viewing. Tour at your own pace following opening remarks.
efforts this spring are the Eatonville Family Agency and the South Pierce County Historical Society. The family-friendly events offer something for everyone, especially those interested in
local history and strengthening community legacy. On Thursday, the 23rd at 6 pm,,the celebration will be kicked off by a special edition of the Mill Haus Cider Company’s Fireside Chat
Series. The presenter will be local educator, author and historian Abbi Wonacott, who will share “Stories from the Foothills,” followed by a Q&A session.
LEGACY, 6
Mount Rainier Visitors Urged to Conserve Water and Prepare for Winter Conditions Staff Report
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isitors heading to Mount Rainier National Park this spring are being asked to plan ahead, conserve water, and prepare for winter conditions that remain in place at higher elevations. According to the National Park Service, changing climate conditions are putting increasing pressure on the park’s water supply. The loss of perennial snowfields over the past several decades, combined with warmer temperatures and reduced snowpack, is decreasing the amount of water available later in the summer. Much of the park’s water comes from snowmelt-fed lakes and streams. At higher elevations such as Sunrise, water sources rely almost entirely on snowmelt. As temperatures rise, more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. This leads to earlier runoff and less water available during peak visitation.
TEMPORARY WATER OUTAGE AT KEY LOCATIONS
Park officials also note that Paradise and Narada Falls will not have water available until Thursday, April 16 at 7 a.m. Drinking water will not be fully restored until Saturday, April 18. Visitors planning trips during this period are strongly encouraged to bring all necessary drinking water with them.
VISITORS ASKED TO CONSERVE WATER
Even outside of outages, water conservation remains critical. Visitors should bring reusable water bottles and fill them before arriving, as many park locations do not sell water. Seasonal water fountains are available at some sites, including Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, and select campgrounds, but availability varies. Additional conservation steps include: • Using vault toilets, which don’t require water • Reporting leaks to park staff • Avoiding flushing trash, which can waste several gallons of water per use For overnight visitors, turning off the tap while brushing teeth and taking shorter showers can significantly reduce water use.
WINTER CONDITIONS REMAIN AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Park officials are also reminding visitors that winter conditions continue at higher elevations, particularly at Paradise. Snow may remain well into early summer, and trails can be unmarked and
difficult to follow when covered. Visitors should not rely on existing tracks in the snow, as they may lead off established routes. To stay safe, visitors are advised to: • Wear warm, waterproof clothing • Use proper footwear such as boots, snowshoes, or traction devices • Cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite • Bring sufficient food, water, sunscreen, and eye protection Before traveling, visitors should check weather and avalanche forecasts and review safety guidance at go.nps.gov/ springhikingsafety.
PLAN AHEAD FOR A SAFE VISIT
Officials emphasize that preparation is essential. Bringing adequate supplies, conserving water, and understanding current conditions will help ensure a safe visit. With limited water availability and ongoing winter hazards, visitors who plan ahead can help protect both themselves and the park’s resources.